Appalachian Trail Section hiking: Walnut Mountain Road

87-year-old Harry, thru-hiker

May 25, 2013
14 miles
10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

When got to the office this morning, Harry was there! Wow! He’s making good time. Makes me ashamed when I am tired at the end of the day. This time I asked if I could take his picture, I didn’t think folks would believe an 87-year-old would be out here without proof.

We were shuttled back down to Walnut Mountain Road to hike north to Dennis Cove Road and end up back at Black Bear.

The creek at Laurel Fork

Oh, the joys of slackpacking. When we are out on the trail for only one day, we don’t have to take our big backpacks but only enough water and food for the day. It is so nice to be free from the load. I think at this point on the trail, even most thru-hikers – even if they are die-hards at the beginning – would agree to slackpack every chance they get. Cheryl and Shenna have arranged to slackpack with us for the next couple of days out of Black Bear. It saves money on the shuttle too when you go together.

Dennis Cove Road Trailhead

We made good time on our 14 miles today. The trail was not tough at all with a moderate climb up to White Rocks Mountain and then back down again into Dennis Cove Road.

We drove back over the mountain to Hampton to get Subway for dinner.

Rhododendrum in bloom

May 23, 2013
10.4
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Terry shuttled us to Walnut Mountain Road this morning. The 10.4 mile hike was a wonderful relief from the usual high mountains. Because of the recent rains it was very muddy and marshy, but it was a very pleasant walk in the forest, much of it along a creek, with several waterfalls. No steep uphills!!

It was funny when we met Harry going north and he looked confused and said, “You’re going back?” I guess we kept him confused for the next few days because he met us coming and going.

It was a nice day and we were feeling fine when we got in early.

We had dinner in Roan Mountain again this time at Highlander BBQ. It was very good.

Tonight we met Matt who came in late after the shuttle had already made its nightly run into town at 5:00. Wait-up offered to take him into town to pick up a pizza. He accepted and brought back a large pizza and cheese bread. He ate the majority of it. Hikers have great appetites.